Claws of Operation Eclipse (C.O.E)

Ariana had been on edge ever since Hugo's ominous revelation about the Yakima Clan. It wasn't just the gravity of the mission that unsettled her; it was the sheer weight of knowing her first assignment would involve such a notorious group. The air seemed thinner, the pressure in her chest heavier, leaving her unusually quiet throughout the preparation.

Her thoughts spiraled as the clock ticked down to their departure. She barely noticed Emma, Hugo's secretary, entering the room until the woman's bright voice broke through her haze.

"Ariana, I have something special for you," Emma said, holding out a sleek black outfit folded neatly in her hands.

Ariana blinked, snapping out of her daze. "What is it?" she asked hesitantly.

"This," Emma said, handing over the clothes with a knowing smile, "is a gift from Mr. Drel Hugo himself."

The glossy fabric caught Ariana's eye, and her apprehension momentarily melted into awe. It was a black faux-leather zip-up high-neck top paired with leather trousers. The outfit exuded strength and confidence—a stark contrast to how she felt inside.

"Thank you," she murmured, running her fingers over the smooth material. For the first time in hours, a spark of excitement danced in her eyes.

Downstairs, the team was already assembled. Xander, Darwin, and Wince waited impatiently in the sleek black car parked at the entrance.

"Finally! Took you long enough," Wince teased as Ariana slid into the car, her outfit catching everyone's attention. Darwin purred contentedly in her lap.

Xander didn't say a word, though his sharp eyes flicked to Ariana briefly before he turned his attention to the road ahead.

"The ride will take a few hours," Darwin said, breaking the silence as Xander handed Ariana an earpiece.

"Put this on," Xander instructed, his tone as firm as ever.

The car sped off, the hum of the engine filling the quiet moments as Ariana leaned against the window, lost in her thoughts.

Meanwhile, at Marice La Mel Airport in New York, Luca Marcello stood tall amidst the bustling crowd, his commanding presence impossible to ignore. He was waiting for the Yakima twins, Yuka and Yuna, who had just disembarked.

"Hello, Mr. Marcello," Yuka greeted with a polished smile, his confidence unwavering.

Luca responded with a curt nod, his expression unreadable.

Yuna, on the other hand, was unprepared for the moment her gaze met Luca's. Time seemed to slow as her heart raced unexpectedly. His chiseled features and intense demeanor left her momentarily dazed.

"I've never felt like this before," she thought, her cheeks flushing slightly as she tried to shake off the unfamiliar sensation.

"Sir, the cars are ready," Derrick, Luca's right-hand man, announced, breaking the moment.

Yuna trailed behind her brother as they exited the airport, but her thoughts kept circling back to Luca. His presence was magnetic, and it unsettled her.

At Luca's mansion, the atmosphere was charged as he was introduced to the Takumi warriors who had just arrived after them.

"Koko ni ita," a deep voice echoed, silencing the room.

Everyone turned to see a towering figure clad in black and green, his piercing green eyes visible through the cloth that covered his face. Twin curved blades hung from his back, and a jagged scar ran across his left eye and neck, a testament to countless battles.

Zarro, Luca's ever-watchful feline, purred with interest, his sharp eyes narrowing. "Now we're talking," he said with a mischievous smirk.

Outside the mansion, fifty warriors clad in identical attire stood in formation. Upon seeing the Yakima twins, they bowed in unison.

"Anata no sa-bisu, Takumi ichizoku," they chanted, their voices reverberating through the air.

Yuka exchanged pleasantries, his tone authoritative and composed, but Yuna was visibly distracted.

"Earth to Ken Yuna!" Yuka's voice cut through her thoughts, startling her.

"What?!" she snapped, her cheeks tinged with embarrassment as she realized all eyes were on her.

Yuka gave her a suspicious look before continuing with the introductions. Yuna quickly excused herself and retreated to the guest quarters, slamming the door shut behind her.

"What is wrong with me?" she muttered, pacing the room. "Why can't I stop thinking about him?"

Her thoughts spiraled as she rubbed her temples, trying to regain control. Luca's face flashed in her mind, his stoic expression and piercing eyes. No one had ever distracted her like this before.

Back in the car, the team finally arrived at Gue after passing through dozens of checkpoints. Xander's booming voice jolted everyone awake.

"We're here," he announced.

Ariana, however, remained fast asleep, her peaceful expression untouched by the commotion. Xander allowed himself a small smile before stepping out and gently carrying her inside.

The building was imposing, with its dark, tinted windows and minimalist design mirroring the stark efficiency of W.O.D headquarters. As they were shown to their rooms, Xander placed Ariana on one of the beds, his usual sharp demeanor softening for a brief moment before he returned to the table to strategize.

At the same time, Luca observed Yuna's retreat with a strange unease. She had managed to stir something in him that he couldn't quite name.

"She's dangerous," he thought to himself, but not in the way he usually meant it.